The Dodgers were without their reigning World Series MVP Freddie Freeman for the Tokyo Series opener against the Chicago Cubs, and the Dodgers will play it safe by omitting him from playing in the series finale.
Freeman was a late scratch on Tuesday as he dealt with left rib discomfort, prompting manager Dave Roberts to start Kiké Hernández at first base against the lefty Shota Imanaga. Roberts was quick to downplay the severity of Freeman’s condition, noting how the decision to keep him out of the lineup for the series opener was a precautionary measure, per Sonja Chen of MLB.com.
“Not as severe,” manager Dave Roberts said. “I thought we made the right decision not playing him tonight, and we’ll see how he comes in tomorrow. So right now, I’m not too concerned.”
Chen reports that the Dodgers would have Freeman undergo imaging on his rib should he miss the entire series. Freeman joins Mookie Betts as two pieces of the triumvirate at the top of the lineup forced to make their season debuts domestically. The Dodgers will once again deploy Kiké Hernández at first base to face left-hander Justin Steele.
Seemingly every direction you look in Tokyo, Shohei Ohtani is at the forefront of Japanese culture, appearing in ads for Hugo Boss, Fortnite, and New Balance while he’s not being a spectacle to watch on the diamond. The fans at the Tokyo Dome roared when his name was announced during the lineup introductions and became louder when he reached base twice in last night’s win.
When speaking with Harold Reynolds of MLB Network, Ohtani discussed playing in his native country once again (with his likeness sprinkled every which way), remarking how nervous he was to play in front of a sellout crowd.
Through interpreter Will Ireton: “I was actually pretty nervous. It’s been a while since I was nervous, but today, definitely felt it… Just a very unique environment and a very unique situation where I do feel that the fans are expecting me to get some hits, so that was a little bit different.”
Thousands of Dodgers fans from all walks of life were in attendance on Tuesday for Game 1 of the Tokyo Series, and shortstop Miguel Rojas felt overwhelmed with emotions due to the support of the fanbase and is looking forward to the team’s home opener next week, per MLB on X.
“We’re looking forward to playing in front of our fans in L.A., but, I mean, I’m overwhelmed of emotions. The way that Dodger fans travel— they have a great group that they travel all over the world, and I’m just so happy to represent this organization because they have the best fans in the world.”
